A rather small species with rounded body shape. It is primarily black in colour with variable red spotting in a row across the elytra. At times, this spotting can form a strong ‘bumpy’ band, but in other specimens it is much weaker and disjointed.
Distribution in Ireland: Widespread across Ireland but very local, becoming scarcer towards the north of the island. Due to its small size, inconspicuous nature and its habitat requirements, it is likely subject to underrecording.
Habitat: Generally restricted to areas of dry heath and bogland where heather grows in abundance. It may occasionally also be found on coastal dune systems and it appears to be increasing in urban areas where cypress grows, particularly around Cork.
Habits: This species feeds on scale insects and may be found on a variety of shrubs and trees, but particularly Ling. It has also been recorded on Bell Heather, Bog Myrtle, Leyland Cypress, Common Gorse and even willows. It can be difficult to find and undoubtedly the easiest way to encounter them is by sweeping or beating open areas with heather. Where it is found however it can sometimes be locally abundant. In bogs and heaths, the overwintering sites include the dense foliage of Ling as well as among the leaves and branches of Bog Myrtle, Gorse and immature pines, typically growing around the margins of bogs. Where it has colonised more urban areas, it may overwinter among the foliage of cypresses or in sheltered locations among stonework and walls.
